Fighting For Aire: Dungeons & Damsels, Book 1

Compromises and Proposals

The orvik turned and handed the baby sheep to Oberyn. It protested at first, letting out a few weak ‘baws’, seemingly afraid of him. Eventually, Oberyn started humming and the sheep settled down. 

I couldn’t look away. His purple skin,  dark horns, and his tall frame was a stark contrast to the small, sleeping baby lamb. He looked at the small creature in his arms with kind eyes.

Dirgah came back with two more bottles and two more baby sheep. They followed him around, bawing impatiently for their food and headbutting his legs. Dirgah lit a warm fire nearby, and we settled in with the bundled up baby sheep. The rain pounded the wooden roof making a deafening, yet soothing echo through the stables. 

All around us, animals ate or slumbered, and in my hands was a warm sleeping baby. The fireplace crackled and blanketed us in a warm, sleepy glow. I yawned and laid down in the hay, nestling the sheep against my chest. It had since finished eating and was content to rest in my arms. 

I allowed myself to let go, enjoying what I knew was a rare moment of quietness. Being a princess, I didn’t get caught in the rain, or hang out in a stable. Someday, I would be queen and I couldn't do anything I wanted anymore. 

It was a sad thought to drift off to, but I must have fallen asleep. I woke to the feeling of warm fingers gently combing my hair.

Oberyn smiled down at me, and I beamed back up at him. His expression fell slightly.

"What's wrong?" I asked, c*****g my head. Dirgah came and took the yawning lamb, and gave me a smile before he left.

My steward pinched the bridge of his nose anxiously. "Elson is here and he wishes to have dinner with you and your fathers."

I stared blankly up at him, blinking the sleep out of my eyes. "Oh." I said evenly.

Oberyn was quiet for a long time, as if hoping I would say something.

But I had no idea what to say. That I didn't want to have dinner with Elson? That should have been obvious by now. That we should just run away together? My parents would never stop looking until they found me, and when they did they would throw Oberyn in jail. Or worse.

"We better get you back to the castle." Oberyn said quietly, looking away.

I clenched my fists, grabbing small handfuls of hay and nodded.

Oberyn fixed my hair and led me back home. At this point, my clothes were dry, and I couldn't be bothered to wash up and change for Elson.

I turned to head to the dining hall, but was stopped by a hand grabbing my wrist. "You don't have to face him." Oberyn said. I took a deep breath and turned away from him.

"I got this." I promised, squeezing his hand.

Two maids held the doors for me as I entered the dining room. Elson was already here, sat across from my father, King Han. King Omyr sat at the head of the table and lit up when he saw me. I loved both my fathers, but as bad as it was to say, Omyr was my favorite.

Elson smiled when he saw me, his slimy expression making my skin crawl. 

"Darling." Omyr said, spreading his arms to welcome me. "Elson told us what a wonderful time he had with you in the garden."

My eyes flicked over to the blonde-haired ghoul. I smiled. "Yes father."

The prince matched my cheerful expression and continued chatting with my fathers as I took my seat and was served my food. 

As I picked at my plate, I paid attention to how Elson interacted with my fathers. It seemed polite and almost genuine. Maybe I was being too critical of him. Sure, he forced me on a date with him and kissed me without permission, but maybe he just thought I was being coy.

He only heard what he wanted to hear. He was vain, self-obsessed, and belligerently shallow, but was he evil? In my mind, I had truly twisted him into being a bad guy. I mean, he was a BAD guy, but he wasn't some cruel intimidating villain. He was a spoiled prince who only wanted to wed me to cover up his family's racist past.

He was nothing to be afraid of.

I finished my food and the table fell quiet for a moment. It was awkward, as if everyone was waiting on something. King Omyr looked at King Han, who raised his eyebrows at the Prince.

Elson cleared his throat, and stood up. Much to my dismay, he made his way over to me and got on one knee. My eyes went wide and I slowly shook my head. Elson continued anyway.

"Princess Aireynor, daughter of Kings Han and Omyr, wed me, and bring our kingdoms together in a generation of peace without equal."

I looked up to my fathers. Omyr had tears in his eyes and a sad soft smile. Han looked proud. He had never looked at me with pride like that before. I hadn't answered yet, and Han spoke up.

"Elson asked for your hand, telling us how fond he has grown of you, and is willing to leave his kingdom in the hands of his brother and lead here."

At my feet, Elson nodded. "All I asked was that we have the wedding in my kingdom."

Of course. So that all his people will see him wed a high elf and will think he's fixed the ties between our people. 

I narrowed my eyes, suddenly filled with anger "Seems like you three have it all figured out then! What do you need my input for?"

Omyr rose. "Aire, that's not-" but I had already stood and headed towards the hall and up the stairs.

"Princess-" Elson said, reaching for me. Oberyn, who had been waiting in the great hall, moved to stand in his way. They glared at each other.

I darted up both flights of stairs and towards my room when I heard Elson say "I'll go talk with her."

I spun and stopped to listen, hidden from view, watching Oberyn step up. His eyes narrowed at Elson. "Maybe it's best if I go talk with her instead."

Omyr said nothing, but King Han shook his head. "Give Elson a chance to explain himself."

"Fuck." I swore, heading to my room so I could lock the door. I got inside and closed it, sliding down with my back against it to catch my breath. I reached up to grab the lock and was jostled away when the door was shoved open.

"Princess." Elson said, condescendingly. Like I was a toddler who had an accident. His face twisted into a sick smile. "Why are you running from me?"